Residents in Santa Ana, CA, Take Action to Improve Bike/Ped Safety

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Residents living in the predominantly Latino city of Santa Ana, CA, are working to improve pedestrian safety.  The city has gradually implemented changes to its roads by adding illustrated signage and radar feedback signs that flash a driver’s speed as they approach a busy intersection.

In addition, they’ve also started developing a walk/bike plan.

According to a Plantizen blog, pedestrian safety disproportionately affects cities with large minority populations like Santa Ana.

A recent news article by Aljazeera America, stated that while Hispanics comprise nearly 15 percent of the U.S. population, almost 19 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur among Hispanics.

To help improve Santa Ana’s streets, officials have already applied for at least 10 grants, adding up to a total of $6.1 million, from the state’s new active transportation program.

In a news article by Aljazeera America, Tony Dang, deputy director of the nonprofit pedestrian advocacy group California Walks said: “Santa Ana is experiencing a renaissance in how they’re approaching street design.” 

He added: “It comes from a long history of pretty terrible rankings. Santa Ana is No. 1 in the state for pedestrian fatalities and injuries for children under 15.”

Read more about this change here.